Aerugo

Description

An old term that originally referred to corrosion or rust on metals and later became synonymous with the green patina that forms on outdoor copper or bronze. The patina is also called verdigris because of its bluish-green color and not its chemical composition.

Synonyms and Related Terms

verdigris; lanugo; ferruginous; aes ustum; Verdigris (Deut.)

Authority

• Ralph Mayer, Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• Susan E. Schur, Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985